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The Best Sex Positions For Pregnant Women
No, Your Partner Won't Poke the Baby
By
By Maria Del Russo
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Sex during pregnancy is complicated — not just physically, but emotionally. Some women feel like they are at their sexiest when they’re pregnant and can’t wait to slip between the sheets with their partner. Others, however, find that sex is the absolute last thing that they’re thinking about while they’re pregnant. Each reaction is completely valid, and no woman should feel pressured to have sex during pregnancy.
But, if you’re someone who is feeling randy and wanting to get it on during those nine long months, you probably have a ton of questions. Can sex hurt the baby? Are some positions safer than others? Up until what point can my partner and I get it on? Luckily, the answers to these questions are easier than you may think.
“Sex during pregnancy is generally safe, as long as there are no complications,” says Dr. Adeeti Gupta, founder of Walk In GYN Care. Complications, such as placenta previa, preeclampsia, and preterm labor all fall under this umbrella. And before you ask, no — your partner’s penis can’t hurt the baby, since the baby is protected by your cervix. The only complication that could make sex dangerous in this way is if you’ve been diagnosed with a short cervix, which is literally when your cervix is smaller than normal.
Positions-wise, Dr. Gupta says that everything is fair game, so long as you’re never completely on your back and you’re comfortable. “For positions like missionary, we suggest propping two pillows under your back,” she says.
And while missionary is great for mothers who are early on in their pregnancy, it can be difficult to negotiate with a bigger belly. So, ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best positions for pregnant mothers. Just because you’re pregnant, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep things sexy in the bedroom.
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Missionary Position
Like Dr. Gupta mentioned, missionary can be a great position for expectant mothers — especially those who are early on in their pregnancy. In order to avoid laying directly on your back, it’s a good idea to prop a few pillows behind your back. Pile two on top of one another, and then slide them directly under your tailbone. “It will facilitate blood flow to your uterus,” Dr. Gupta says. And the more blood flow, the happier your baby (and, as a matter of fact, your orgasm) will be.
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Cowgirl/Reverse Cowgirl
Any position where you’re on top is going to be great while you’re pregnant — and not just because it takes the pressure off of your belly. Being on top means that you’re in control, so you can set the pace and tempo of your lovemaking. If you need a little extra leverage, flip around for some reverse cowgirl action. You can lean on your partner’s legs for support.
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Spooning
Listen — it’s exhausting growing a human. So sometimes you just want some slow, sensual sex. Spooning is perfect for this. Just lay on your side and have your partner enter you from behind. They’ll have access to your breasts, your clitoris, and your belly while you rock alongside one another. It’s a satisfying, yet relaxing, way to enjoy your lovemaking.
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Standing
Who says things have to be confined to your bed? A standing sex position allows your partner to be in control without your belly getting in the way. (In fact, you can rest your stomach against the wall if you’re feeling a little weighed down.) Have your partner enter you from behind, and brace yourself against a wall or a dresser. The beauty of this position is that you both can set the pace, making it a delightful position for both parties.
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Floating Lotus
If you’re in the later months of your pregnancy, you’ll probably enjoy the relief you get from floating in a bath. Well, you can incorporate that feeling into your sex life. Have your partner come into the bath with you, and have them sit against the back of the tub. Then, lower yourself onto them, bracing yourself against the ends of the tub. You can use the tub as leverage, and you’ll enjoy the weightless feeling of your belly in the water. Just make sure to throw some towels down on the floor — things can get slippery in this position.
